Drogheda sign Stephen McGuinness and Joe Jackson

Drogheda United have announced the signing of goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness and defender Joe Jackson ahead of their upcoming First Division campaign.

20-year-old McGuinness joins the Drogs having spent last season in the Premier Division with Bray Wanderers.

The young stopper was given his debut for Bray under the management of Pat Devlin in 2013, having progressed from their under 19 team.

He consolidated his place as the club’s number 1 in 2014 where he made 27 league appearances and won the club’s Player of the Year award.

He made 17 first team appearances for the Seagulls last term before injury curtailed his season prematurely.

Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon said: “Stephen is a goalkeeper with plenty of Premier Division experience even though he is still young. He will vie for the number 1 spot with Patrick Dunican and we are fortunate to have two top quality keepers in the squad.”

American defender Joe Jackson has signed for the club having featured for them in their pre-season programme.

Jackson put pen to paper with the club having played domestic football in his native America prior to arriving in Ireland.

The centre-back will add depth to the club’s defensive area ahead of their bid to gain promotion from the second tier.

Following his signing, Mahon said: “Joe has been training with us for the last few weeks. He has impressed us greatly since then which culminated in a very solid performance against Cork City last week.”

“Joe is a commanding Centre Back and will be a big presence for us next season,” Mahon added.

Mahon now believes that there is “plenty of competition throughout the spine of his side” with a title challenge being anticipated.

The Boynesiders open their campaign against Roddy Collins’ Waterford United at United Park on March 4^th.